Saint Louis University is an American, Jesuit university ranked among the top 100 research and teaching institutions in the United States. Distributed over two campuses: St. Louis Campus in the United States and Madrid Campus in Spain, the University enrolls more than 11,000 students, over 650 of whom pursue their studies in Madrid.

While originally established in the 1960s as a study abroad program for US college students, the Madrid Campus is now a free-standing campus of Saint Louis University where students from more than 65 countries study undergraduate and graduate courses to obtain either US 4-year undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees or, in the case of study abroad students, credits towards their degrees on their home campuses.

Students will receive a quality education, as well as the added value of international exposure, providing them a competitive edge over their peers upon graduation.

LOCATION

The Saint Louis University campus in Madrid is located in the ideal setting, on the northwest side of the city, with open views of the mountains to the north and west, and superb metro (subway) and bus access.

ACADEMICS

Spanish
Spanish Literature
Fine and Performing Arts
Science, Computer Science, and Engineering
International Business and Economics
Literature, Language, and Linguistics

Included in the LMU Program Fee for LMU students is the host family option with half room and board. This is a fabulous option for students who wish to experience Spanish society and language to the fullest, one of the most rewarding and culturally integrating experiences you can have is to be part of a Spanish household. With the host family (señora), you will have the opportunity to learn and experience day-to-day life in urban Madrid. No matter where your Host Family lives, you will find that Madrid is a relatively compact city and that riding the subway is safe, fast, inexpensive and efficient.

The following services are included in all Host Family placements

Wireless DSL internet access

bed linens

laundry services (European washing machines are small, and dryers are not widely used). Laundry is done on a reduced basis. The señora will do two loads of laundry per student per week. We recommend you take all delicate washables to the dry cleaner.

Host families:

most of them host more than one student

are located within a 20- to 40-minute subway commute from the University; or within a 15- to 20-minute walk

have years of experience working with American and international students

are keenly aware of what you need to watch out for

will help you to get settled in and learn your way around Madrid

will be your best resource and some will even monitor and help you with your Spanish-language skills!

Half Room and Board (media pensión)

This option includes breakfast and dinner provided by the Host Family in the home. Half room and board does not include use of the kitchen facilities. You are responsible for the purchase of your own lunch. This provides flexibility to the student during the school day and on weekends. Being in a Spanish home, you will taste Spanish food experiencing full cultural immersion in both language and culture including Spanish cuisine. A breakfast of just coffee/juice and toast is usually eaten in the morning. Spanish families eat lunch and dinner much later than in many other countries. Lunch is served around 2:00 p.m.; dinner is lighter fare and is normally served around 9:00 p.m.

CULTURAL EXCURSIONS

Included in the program fee is an excursion called the Loyola Excursion. You will travel to the Basque countryside of northern Spain and visit the birthplace of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. It is an opportunity to deepen one's understanding of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Spiritual Exercises in the place where Saint Ignatius was born and lived. The trip includes a visit to the castle where St. Francis Xavier grew up.

NEED TO KNOW

American students holding a US passport will need to obtain a student visa to participate in this program. Visa appointments are held in-person and the appointments fill very quickly. We recommend booking an appointment as soon as possible in the Fall semester if you are applying for Spring and no later than 55 days before the program start date if applying for the Fall semester. You can read more about the visa application process on the Spanish consulate website.